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Player Interview: Jensen Weir

Today we are speaking with the youngest ever player to take the field wearing the Tree and Crown, Wigan Athletic and Scotland’s Jensen Weir. Jensen talked with us about his journey so far and how he intends to keep developing his performances to the highest standards possible. He illustrates the application and dedication required to successfully progress all the way to senior football, We believe Jensen is a shining example for other young players to follow.

Hello Jensen, thanks for speaking to us, can we ask when did you start playing football and why?

I started playing football when I was about 7 years old, I initially started playing football because of my dad (Ex-Rangers, Everton and Scotland player David Weir), he helped me get into it with him being professional a footballer, but I genuinely began to enjoy the game on the whole from the very first moment I played.

Can you give us some background details about your career journey so far?

I originally started playing for a local team called Lymm Pirahnas, from there I got scouted for Wigan at the age of 9 and went there for a good 2 years (I was also playing for Cherrybrook at the same time), I then left Wigan (u11s) and went to City Select for a year. I then decided to return to Wigan and I’ve been there ever since.

Can you tell us about the training you do with your club?

We train 3 times a week; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday then a game on Saturday or Sunday. ON Tuesdays and Thursday’s we do team related training usually involving possession based drills the on a Friday we do position specific training. Physically, we often do body weight based training involving body movements without weights which is good for both flexibility and strength.

What other physical preparation work do you do?

Personally, I try to go to the gym 2 times a week and do light weights work to enhance body strength, before games I warm up to prevent injuries and post games do I always start my active recovery process (usually cycling). For flexibility I do yoga but not very often.

What have been the best memories in your football career so far?

I would have to say generally playing football when I was younger purely cause their was more freedom and the environment was a lot more relaxed.

What’s been your biggest accomplishment in the game to date?

Making my club debut probably and also making my Scotland debut, they were both extremely proud moments.

How’s your nutrition currently?

My nutrition is okay but is definitely one area of the game I need to work on and hopefully moving into playing full time will help that.

What are your favourite pre and post game meals?

Normally before a game I have cereal, but nothing specific cereal and after a game I have beans on toast.

How have your performances developed? What specifically is it that you’ve done that you feel has helped you the most?

I feel like I’m enhancing my performances consistently, I always think I can add to them and keep on improving, I’m not satisfied with ok, I won’t ever rest on my laurel. A big part of the game that I’ve developed is physically, you need to develop in terms of going from the u16s phase into u18s phase so to do this I regularly work at the gym and through the club which has helped tremendously.

What do you do to recover from games?

To recover from games I usually just spin on a bike for 15 minutes or so, to get the active recovery process started and get some fresh blood into my legs to prepare for the next game or training. Another thing I think is important is massages to release muscle tension and foam rolling, anything that helps return my muscles to normal I tend to do.

What are your current footballing goals?

To play at the highest level possible both club and country, also to enjoy playing football at the highest point I can.

What advice would you give yourself if you could go back to the start of your football career?

Ask questions, don’t be scared to ask question I used to be scared about asking for extra help or when something is wrong but it’s better to ask because all its going to do is benefit you.

Who are your football role models and why?

I look up to a wide variety of players; I like Martin Odegaard I think he’s a great young talent with good technical ability and I also look up to players like Pogba and Hazard.

Do you have any pre match routines or superstitions?

Just put my right boot on first to be honest nothing major.

What advice would you give young females who want to play at the higher levels of the game?

Go for it, my sister plays football at Everton and it’s of a great standard and I think it’s a part of the game that will eventually be on the scale it deserves to be in comparison to male football matching it in both standard and importance.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t be scared to get on the ball, I’ve realised everyone has bad days, just don’t be scared to get on the ball because if you don’t get on the ball its only going to affect you and your teams performance.

How has working with FFF helped you and your performance?

I’ve worked with both Ben and Alan and I think what they’re doing is great, from a personal perspective they really engage with you as a player and really do give you the best advice and training in order to enhance your performance. I’ve started to realise more and more that what they do is a major part of the game and that their training can influence and differentiate the good from the best. They offer great strength and flexibility work to enhance your footballing game whether it be changing direction to shielding off an opposition player. They’ve helped me grow both through knowledge and physicality, what they’re doing is great and is only going to get better.

Many thanks for the interview Jensen and best of luck with Scotland and Wigan!